Brynglas tunnels

The Welsh Government has appointed engineering solutions provider Costain to provide design development services on the £750m M4 Corridor around Newport, South Wales, UK.

Costain has a 50% stake in a three-way joint venture with Vinci Construction Grands Projets and Taylor Woodrow on the new project.

As part of the project, 24km of new motorway and a 2.5km-long cable-stayed viaduct crossing of the River Usk will be built, in addition to remodelling Junctions 23 and 29.

Forming part of the strategic roads network, the project is expected to deliver government aims for a better, safer and sustainable transport network.

According to Costain, the project would also support and encourage long-term prosperity in the region.

"This award is further demonstration of the importance to Costain of long-term strategic partnerships with our customers."

Scheme development work is expected to start with immediate effect, leading up to an anticipated public local inquiry in late 2016/2017.

The second stage of the ECI work is slated to begin in mid-2018, once the statutory processes complete successfully.

Costain chief executive Andrew Wyllie said: "This award is further demonstration of the importance to Costain of long-term strategic partnerships with our customers, and our ability to deliver integrated consulting and project delivery services."

The M4 relief road located south of the city of Newport was originally proposed in 1991 and the scheme was dropped by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2009, when costs had increased to £1bn.

Image: The Brynglas Tunnels on the existing M4 would be bypassed by a new road. Photo: courtesy of norman hyett via Wikipedia.